Sep 26, 2011

Lancia Thema, an alternative class



The new Lancia Thema marks a new chapter in the legendary history of the brand. Before the global flagship that combines the best of both worlds, the car rear-wheel drive comes on the basis of the new Chrysler 300 and is ready, as the first topic of 1984, to tackle the most difficult but also the most prestigious of the segments with the 'ambition to eventually offer a real alternative. The goal is not as easy to reach, if we consider that the target to which you refer is formed by the most demanding customers in the market used to having the best. There is, however, in this particular a clear trend toward more refined exclusivity and personal. Surfaces, insistent demand for a technology far less cold than the offer, the demand for more heat, better craftsmanship, better temperament. Thanks to the wealth of values ​​entered in its DNA, Lance is more favored than others in the ability to interpret this new world of exclusivity and respond to the needs of a customer who pays attention to technology, which calls for product substance but also style with a strong personality.

And it is here that fits Lancia Thema, the global flagship combines size, comfort and road presence, features typically American, with the luxury of Poltrona Frau leather interior, the muffled silence of the great Lancia and attention to detail that express the best of "Made in Italy". 

These are the very characteristics that make the new luxury saloon Throw something special, a product that transforms every day in the use of the concept of simple "means of transport" in a ' exciting travel experience, because a "big trip" is not only the origin and destination, but a succession of emotions and discoveries along the running time. 

5,066 mm long, 1,488 mm high, wide with a wheelbase of 1,902 and 3,052 mm, the new topic is presented in a contemporary style and distinctive for the category of luxury sedans. The same class that is evident inside, where, as in a muted, enveloping living, quality materials and fabrics "plays" with elegance the most advanced technology in the service of comfort and safety. 

On sale from October in all European dealerships, Lancia Thema is available in three trim levels - Gold, Platinum and Executive - and three engines: the petrol V6 3.6L 286 hp 8-speed automatic transmission and the new 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engines from 190 hp and 239 hp, both with 5-speed automatic transmission. Quality and Italian elegance for a large luxury saloon

The new standard combines the topic of the segment with the unmistakable comfort and class that has always distinguished the Lancia cars. With the new flagship, the brand interprets the theme of the big prestige saloon according to his chromosomes. Those that are typically Italian craftsmanship that can not only use quality materials according to their appearance, but also of sensory reactions can give. 

Moreover, gain important impressions we see and touch the car dashboard, observing the details, seated, holding the steering wheel, considering the pleasantness of the environment and the quality of coatings and finishes. All this is called "perceived quality". The overall impression comes from a blend of a thousand different: the shape of items to the materials they are made, the individual colors and their combination with the tactile sensations that we feel. Stimuli that all play an equal part in determining overall perception. 

For this reason, in designing the new topic has long worked on every single detail. The result is a cabin built with quality materials noble, warm and unique, far away from the cold and rational surfaces of other cars in its segment. In detail, the interiors express a unique style and provide excellent comfort for passengers as evidenced by the use of soft touch materials, interior trim with the availability of fine nappa leather heated seats and dashboard upholstered in Poltrona Frau ® leather, inserts real wood on the center console panels, doors and steering wheel (leather bi-color sull'allestimento Executive). The bridge is decorated with chrome and a discreet dash of innovative design with dual cluster lighting Sapphire Blue, a shade that is also found in the illumination LED car. To ensure comfort "best-in-class" seats have been designed with a new architecture that includes a coil suspension. The front seats have adjustable lumbar support with four positions of the actuators with the up / down, forward / reverse and variable density. 

Quality and elegance also mark the exterior of the new flagship in a perfect balance of style that enhances the classic proportions of the model. On the front, the grille blends into a single design logo Lance with the horizontal bars that express precision and formal rigor. The chrome trim around the logo and the bars provide contrast within a particular frame is also chrome. All this is enhanced by two innovative projector with LED technology and DRL function which together form a "C" for an unmistakable road presence. 

The profile of the new Lancia highlights the distinctive proportions of its predecessor, with the addition of fine finishes that give a more elegant appearance. The front end is joined with the major lines of the roof to blend back in "three-quarters" of the rear where features the unmistakable fanalerie that complement the silhouette. In addition, due to the inclination of the windscreen, the aerodynamic effect is secured and the small size of the posts allows the driver to enjoy excellent visibility. 

To complete the high finish of the car, the rear spoiler comes with an integrated under the which set the Lancia logo. Light up the night two harmonious LED lights, joined together by a chrome strip that emphasizes the class of the new flagship. The muscularity of the front is taken up by two rear chrome exhaust tips that emphasize style performance engines in the range. Performance in the segment

Designed to provide exceptional efficiency in city and long distance path, the Lancia Thema offers powerful engines and combined with the latest generation of automatic transmissions.

3.6L V6 286 HP

Compact and lightweight (it's all-aluminum), the petrol engine is a V6 source Pentastar Chrysler Group, which is at the top of this power band. In particular, thanks to new technology implementations, in compliance with Euro 5, the "six-cylinder" has a power output 286 hp at 6350 rpm / min and a maximum torque of 340 Nm at 4650 r / min with CO2 emissions equivalent to 219 g / km (fuel consumption combined: 9.4 l/100km). Thus equipped the new topic can reach a top speed of 230 km / h and acceleration 0-100 km / h in 7.9 seconds, this result is achieved thanks to the new 8-speed gearbox.
3.0L V6 with 190 hp and 239

The two diesel engines Euro 5 - built by VM Motori and developed together with Fiat Powertrain - respectively deliver 190 hp at 4000 rpm / min and 239 hp at 4000 rpm / min and are mated to an automatic transmission 5-speed. In particular, the 239 hp version boasts a maximum torque of 550 Nm at 1800-2800 r / min, while the 190 HP has a maximum torque of 440 Nm at 1600-2800 r / min. Both diesel engines have CO2 emissions of 185 g / km and a combined fuel consumption of 7.1 l/100km. 

In detail, the new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine is a compacted graphite iron cylinder block at 60 degrees with aluminum cylinder heads and aluminum structural oil pan to two elements. The bore is 83 mm and stroke of 92 mm. The total displacement is 2,987 cm3. The distance is equal to 96 mm bore. 

Compact and lightweight, the new engine has the following dimensions: length 695 mm, 729 mm wide and 697.5 mm in height. The total weight of the new engine is 230 kg. 

The engine block has a new architecture with reinforced structure that includes a base capable of providing a rigid support to the crankshaft. This in turn helps to reduce the overall noise level of the inferior alternative components and improve the levels of noise, vibration and harshness. 

To increase the structural rigidity of the engine block, sump aluminum two-piece is designed to provide resistance and improve the quietness of the engine. The base has a capacity of 7.7 liters. 

The heads are aluminum and the type double overhead camshaft with chain drive head and four valves per cylinder. The intake and exhaust valves have a diameter of 28 mm, respectively, and 24.5 mm. The volume of the combustion chamber is 24.68 cm 3. 

The forged steel crankshaft is supported by four main bearings with supports built-in four-hole base. External balance, the crankshaft is 442.2 mm long. This feature has helped to reduce overall engine configuration requirements. The connecting rods from the total length of 162.9 mm are made ​​of cast iron. 

The cast aluminum pistons are lightweight and have been redesigned to minimize friction. The compression ratio of the new diesel engine has been reduced to 16.5:1 (18.1:1 compared to the previous model) and allows for cleaner combustion while providing more power. 

The main support bearings are lead to ensure a low environmental impact in both phases of production in the subsequent recycling of the engine. 

The air induction system includes the control of turbulence to improve combustion. Mounted between the intake system and combustion chamber, the swirl control provides the best possible flow of air through the combustion chamber to optimize engine efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. 

The common rail injection system from 1800 bars ensures precise fuel delivery. Thanks to new technology Multijet II which uses a special solenoid balanced the new injector is able to carry up to 8 injections cycle with the ability to manage the two main injections in one profile modular (IRS - Injection Rate Shaping) ensuring so a reduction in fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by about 2% compared to a conventional injector and ensuring a drastic reduction of noise. 

The new 3.0-liter diesel engine uses a single turbocharger with variable geometry Garrett VGT 2056. Compact and lightweight, this turbocharger is able to respond almost immediately and includes an air to air intercooler. Cutting-edge technology at the service of comfort and safety

Comfort on board means surrounding the driver and passenger with technologies that ensure the highest acoustic and climatic comfort. Hence the need to transform the interior in a muted, enveloping living room. Not only. The driving experience is made unique by the flagship excellent handling, a lavish array infotelematic and the many devices designed to assure a relaxed control of the car.

Driving dynamics and handling

The new Lancia Thema offers an innovative ultra-rigid structure created by the architecture of the Chrysler Group aimed at large sedans with rear wheel drive. Designed as a single unit, the union of the frame with the upper structure of the car provides the best driving dynamics and handling with every type of road surface and weather conditions. 

For the chassis of the new ad-hoc topic were also a number of components designed as the innovative suspension system front and rear multi-link. This is a diagram wishbones, thanks to their high articulation, keep the wheels perpendicular to the road, ensuring maximum grip during cornering. The shock was also specifically designed to absorb any unevenness in the road.

Silent

Maximizing the innovative structural design of ultra-rigid, the new Lancia Thema has a noise on board at the top of the class. The presence of two underbody panels made ​​of composite materials, laminated windscreen and glazing, sound-absorbing panels in the cockpit and in the cavities of the wheel arches provide a high absorption of noise on the road and a large increase in the quality of life on board. The end result is a cabin that does not come muffled outside noise and where the movement of the car and its progress on the road as soon as you feel.

Infotainment generation



Lancia Thema presents the innovative new technologies infotelematic Uconnect ® and board to keep passengers connected, safe and in comfort. From touch screen navigation system with dual zone climate control, the ability to customize the on-board functionality, the system Uconnect Touch ® provides a unique experience for the driver and passengers. 

Proposed standard on the new flagship model, the system has a large 8.4-inch touchscreen with easy-to-use controls, and allows you to connect and manage their personal devices (phones or MP3 players). In addition, starting from the preparation Platinum, Lancia Thema exclusive offers standard navigation system that includes the Garmin Premium TMC services, and a premium audio system with 9 speakers plus subwoofer for a total of 506 watts of amplification, on request about setting up and Platinum series of Exeuctive. Always on the latter set-up is available, on request, a Harmon Kardon audio system with 19 speakers plus subwoofer for a total of 900 watts of amplification.

Passive and active safety

The new Lancia Thema content offers more than 70 advanced safety and security, including the electronic stability program (ESC) as standard equipment with unique Ready Alert Braking and "Rain Brake Support": the first, the release of the accelerator, the brake system to alert the operating time and decreasing the braking distance while the second kicks in when the wipers are activated by removing the water by the brake pads. To ensure maximum visibility in all conditions of darkness, Lancia Thema offers standard Xenon headlamps SmartBeam TM adaptive. 

The wealth of equipment continues with the Active Pedestrian Protection system for protecting pedestrians in case of accidental impact "raises" the rear of the bonnet, and Keyless Enter-N-Go, thanks to customized key with remote control makes it easy and convenient to get into their car and start the engine by simply pressing the button on the dashboard. 

To make it easier and safer parking operations is standard on all trim the Parkview (TM) Rear Back-Up Camera, which is activated automatically by inserting the reverse and projects on the 8.4 inch screen images built into the dashboard of the road. This feature ensures maximum safety for the driver, other vehicles and especially for pedestrians. 

They are also available, on request, some innovative and distinctive content that make the new Lancia model the benchmark in its class. Beginning dall'Adaptive Speed ​​Control (ACC), which exceeds the current limitations of traditional cruise control (cruise control). In fact, if the vehicle reaches a much slower vehicle preceding it, the ACC system regulates the speed and (if necessary) will implement the braking force to maintain a safe distance as the driver pre-installed, allowing the latter to avoid manually intervene frequently. This results in a guide for the driver much more relaxed and comfortable. Contributes to this feeling of safety and comfort on board, the additional function of Forward Collision Warning (FCS) which, through a notice on the instrument panel, alerting the driver to be too close to the vehicle in front. 

More exclusive content of the new Lancia Thema is the "Blind Spot Detection", a visual indicator located on the exterior mirror that marks the entrance into the "blind spot" of visibility, which occurs when the dangerous situation of having a vehicle supported and not see it in the mirror. By activating the turn signal to change lanes, a visual and audible alerts warn the driver to carefully check the position of surrounding vehicles before making the lane change.

Complete the amenities of the flagship system "Cross Path Detection," which prevents the risk of collisions at low speeds (the presence of some sensors to detect the presence of moving vehicles while the driver is making the reverse) and "SmartBeam TM HID headlamps " , Xenon headlights that automatically orient themselves smart in height and depth to ensure maximum visibility due to the perception of ambient light and the surrounding traffic.

Services for a special client

Into the trust to own a car, whatever it is, the customer asks to be best met. But when he addresses the Lancia is not content with that. From a brand with a great tradition, a brand that has written many important pages of motoring history while staying true to its values ​​of exclusivity and distinction wants much more he expects to be pampered. 

Why the direct relationship between dealers and customers plays a major role in every moment: in the pre-purchase, the final delivery and after-sales service. It is there that you must meet all the needs of a person used to have timely and accurate responses. Only in this way, in fact, those who buy a Lancia Thema feel a valued customer, satisfied, and will be conquered by a unique and exclusive treatment. 

For this car, the brand has created a program that exceeds the normal expectations and provides services entirely new for customers of the flagships. That's how "Top Care Thema", the exclusive program that will follow throughout the first year of major private customers in European markets. A dedicated team will contact you immediately after delivery and then, after four and twelve months, to gather impressions and give useful suggestions and support. It will be the same conduit which require any assistance to the Top on the topic of advanced features, including home and according to their needs. 

But the news does not end there. In fact, Lance and FGA Capital have designed and built "Ypsilon Tender to the topic," an original offer for managers of companies who choose the topic as their representative cars. In detail, for these particular customers were made ​​some financial solutions that help qualify for free for 12 months of a new Lancia Ypsilon. 

The exclusive "Ypsilon Tender to the topic" takes its cue from the world of sailing. Each has a luxury yacht tender, a small and practical boat with which you can easily reach otherwise inaccessible coves and beaches. Similarly, the new Ypsilon becomes the tender topic of the flagship, a "fashion city car" that meets all the needs of mobility without giving up the comfort and attention to detail typical of the Lancia brand.